US11974675B1 - Seating assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A seating element as noted herein, is attachable to a folding metal chair, the seating element includes a base portion having front, back, and side edges. The base portion includes an articulating shape from the front edge to the back edge including a convex arcuate rise and fall combined with a concave arcuate descension blending into a flat surface of the base portion such that the front edge of the base portion is lower in height than the back edge of the base portion. The back wall is disposed at the back edge and a front wall is disposed at the front edge. The bottom edges of the base portion are attached to descending outer side walls. The seating element is securable to the metal folding chair by engagement at least two of the back wall, front wall, and side walls over a seat of the chair.

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

There are no related applications.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a seating apparatus and more specifically to an attachment element securable over the seat of a standard metal folding chair for improving usability of the chair.

BACKGROUND

There is a growing demand for chair-based activities, accommodating individuals with mobility issues wishing to remain active. For example, many activities include chair-versions, such as chair aerobics, chair yoga, and chair tap-dancing.

Folding metal chairs are ubiquitous, commonly used in a variety of locations, including gyms, community centers, schools, churches, and other spaces, including homes. Designed for general seating, these folding metal chairs fail to provide ergonomic features that encourage erect posture and core stability. One negative factor is the chair surfaces being hard and cold to the touch as well as being difficult to maintain postural position or controlled movement due to the slippery metal seating surface. Another factor is that the seats typically slant downward from front to back. A typical downward angle is in a range between four and six degrees. It is this angle that is largely responsible for the user's pelvis to rotate forward, moving the coccyx toward the front edge of the seat. This, in turn, compresses the user's diaphragm, reducing their air intake and stamina. As the user's bottom slides forward in the seat, their posture is increasingly deteriorated. While the resulting discomfort and fatigue are bad enough in casual sitting applications, they are exaggerated in situations where maintaining a vertical core is essential, such as exercising or playing music.

These metal folding chairs offer low-cost options for facilities managing expenses, but these chairs have significant limitations for users with mobility issues. Another problem with these existing chair seats arises from the user engaging in various movement activities. Not only is the seat surface uncomfortable but does not include any hand grips or other elements assisting the user in movement. For instance, if the user already has limited mobility, the user in a metal folding chair can have difficulty shifting his or her weight across a centerline or performing a bodyweight movement such as trying to lift their posterior off the seat using only their arms or even stand up from a seating position.

While dedicated chairs for exercise and music are available, they are expensive and are not often found in the public venues where classes, practices, and performances are held. Individuals taking classes such as chair aerobics or music classes are forced to adapt to the chairs provided by the venue, most often these are standard folding metal chairs. Those people desiring or needing a more ergonomic solution are forced to either purchase and transport an expensive and heavy dedicated purpose chair to those venues or take a pillow or other special device to make a folding metal chair more effective or at least comfortable. Carrying a chair to a venue can be difficult for a person who is physically impaired or also carrying a musical instrument. Musicians that are engaged by multiple venues are especially vulnerable to being forced to perform on inadequate chairs.

There are existing techniques for improving the comfort or cushion of a standard chair, but none of these solutions relate to improving use of the chair for music performance, exercise, or other fitness-related activities. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,499,388 describes a chair pad that fits over a standard folding chair base. This patented solution merely uses a foam padding within a protective cover and a lower pocket that slides over the front portion of the chair seat. All this patented solution does is provide extra padding on an otherwise uncomfortable chair.

Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 7,275,788 disclosing music posture chairs. These solutions of manufactured chairs having legs, base, and back are designed exclusively to improve the user's sitting posture. These solutions are primarily used for professional settings, such as concert facilities and recording studios. These solutions are expensive and not a viable option for many gyms, community centers, churches, clubs, or other organizations that offer music practice/performance, and health and mobility services. These solutions are also extremely heavy and not a reasonable solution for an individual to purchase a chair and bring the chair with him or her to an exercise class or music performance.

As such, there exists a need for a solution allowing for the modification of standard metal folding chairs to facilitate and improve user posture and ensuring the safety of the user whilst using chair for a physical activity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The invention cures the prior art limitations by providing a seating element attachable to a chair, such as a standard metal folding chair. The seating element includes a base portion having a front edge, a back edge, a first inner side edge and a second inner side edge. The top surface of the base portion articulates in a wave-like shape from the front edge towards the back edge including an arcuate rise and an arcuate descension. Moreover, the front edge of the base portion is lower in height than the back edge of the base portion.

The seating element includes a descending back wall extension disposed at the back lower edge of the base portion edge as well as a descending front wall extension disposed at the front lower edge of the base portion. Both of these descending walls extend beyond the bottom surface of the base portion. The seating element is securable to the chair by engagement of the descending back wall and the descending front wall over corresponding surfaces of the metal folding chair seat.

In all embodiments, the front edge of the base portion is lower in height than the back edge such that when disposed on the chair, the typical front-to-back downward sloping surface of a folding metal chair seat (4°-6°) is neutralized.

In varying embodiments, the seating element may further include left and right descending outer side wall(s), such that the element is further secured from side-to-side movement relative to the folding chair seat.

In varying embodiments, the seating element further includes one or more hand grips disposed on the left and/or right inner sidewalls and/or outer side walls at a position and configuration that is conveniently accessible to the user and structurally secure enough to stabilize the user during exercise or exiting the chair.

The wave-like feature of the seating element can further include the arcuate rise and at least a portion of the arcuate descension of the base portion being disposed before a midpoint between the front edge of the base portion and the back edge of the base portion. In varying embodiments, based on the arcuate rise, the arcuate rise can generate a downward slope between the range of 18 degrees and 22 degrees, creating a comfortable “waterfall” front edge of the seat surface that is more ergonomically effective in increasing blood flow to the user's lower legs and increasing user comfort and stamina.

In varying embodiments, the seating element may further include a compression element disposed on top of the seating element extending from the front edge to the back edge. In varying embodiments, the compression element can be one or more cushions or other attachments. For example, the cushion could be upholstered with fabric or vinyl-type material. In another example, the compression element can be molded using an elastomeric material such as urethane foam. Various thicknesses and durometers (softness/hardness) are available and within the scope herein, balancing user comfort as well as aiding in mobility and usability of the seating element when affixed to a standard chair. The compression element can be removeable, washable, or made of a material inhibiting sweating or stains.

In varying embodiments, the seating element can include at least one carrying handle extending outward from the back wall. The carrying handle allows for a user to carry the seating element, bringing the seating element with them for an exercise class, performing at a concert, or any other suitable use.

The seating surface of the proposed invention features a “wave” configuration that starts at the front edge of the metal folding chair seat at an approximate 13.6″ convex radius and rises approximately 1.875 inches at a point approximately 6 inches from the front edge and then descends, blending into an approximate 15.3″ concave radius that then blends into the rear surface of the seat pad that is parallel to the bottom edge of the base portion. This “wave” configuration encourages the user's pelvis to rotate in a direction that moves their coccyx toward the back edge of the seat. This, in turn, aligns the user's core, releases their diaphragm, and increases their air intake. Demonstration of this phenomenon can be experienced by slightly lifting your feet while sitting in any chair. You will feel your pelvis rotate backwards and your spine straighten. The front portion of this “wave” corresponds to an approximate 20° downward slope which resembles the “waterfall” front edge of most ergonomic chairs that permits user's feet to descend to a lower point, resulting in a more relaxed and stable posture. The rear portion of the wave causes the pelvis to rotate to a correct ergonomic position and the waterfall front edge simultaneously eliminates pinching of the Popliteal Fossa. Such compression of the Popliteal Fossa reduces blood flow which can cause lower leg pain and numbness.

In other embodiments, the seating element is secured to the seat of the metal folding chair by descending sidewalls from the front, back, and two sides of base portion with the two opposing outer sidewalls terminating at a point forward of the hinge pin connecting the front-leg/seatback component and the seat pan of the metal folding chair. Together, these four descending sidewalls surround and capture the corresponding sidewalls of the meatal folding chair seat pan, securing the components with no additional fasteners or mechanisms.

The dimension between the inner surfaces of the descending outer sidewalls is approximately 16.125 inches. The outer side walls terminate at a point approximately 8″ from the front edge of the base portion, exposing the two inner side walls, whose maximum outside to outside edges measures no more than 15.25 inches, a parameter that enables the base portion to fit between the leg module uprights of most metal folding chairs.

Attaching and removing the seating element to a metal folding chair is quick and easy. The user simply inserts the device between the two front legs of the chair above the seat and guides it rearward to a position directly above the seat, then lowers the device over the seat with the device sidewalls surrounding the perimeter of the metal seat and then allowing the device to slide down over the metal seat where it is prevented from any side-to-side or front-to-back movement. To remove the device, the sequence is reversed; simply by lifting the device vertically until it clears the metal seat and then moving it out between the front leg/seatback assembly and carrying it to the next destination.

In other embodiments of the seating element is a handle feature attached to the rear edge of the device. This feature facilitates the carrying of the device, storage (hanging by handle) and attachment/removal to/from a metal folding chair.

In other embodiments of the seating element are two hand grip structures protruding from the forward area of each side panel. These structures provide a shape for the user to grasp and stabilize themselves as they engage in various aerobic exercises. This feature would be especially effective for very large users who cannot easily grasp the side edges of a folding metal chair seat pan because of their body girth or other mobility issues.

In other embodiments of the seating element is a shallow recessed area on the top surface of the structure that provides an area for attachment of a seat cushion. This cushion could be permanently attached or, alternately, be removable for cleaning. This cushion could be upholstered with fabric or vinyl-type material or be molded using an elastomeric material such as urethane foam. Various thicknesses and durometers (softness/hardness) would be possible. This cushion feature also offers the opportunity to customize the product with color, pattern, logos, or textures, providing individual aesthetic expression.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG.1 illustrates a perspective view of the base portion of the seating element.

FIG.2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a seating element including descending front wall and descending outer side walls, a descending back wall and hand grips.

FIG.3 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the seating element ofFIG.2;

FIG.4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the seating element ofFIG.3;

FIG.5 illustrates one embodiment of the seating element without a cover;

FIG.6 illustrates view of the setting element having a cover therewith;

FIG.7 illustrates one embodiment of the seating element engaged with a folding chair; and

FIG.8 illustrates another embodiment of a seating element.

A better understanding of the disclosed technology will be obtained from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings and the attached claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of aseating element100, illustrating specifically thebase portion102 with afront edge104, aback edge106, afirst side edge108 and a second side edge (not shown).

While not fully visible inFIG.1 because of the perspective view, thebase portion102 has a limited thickness, whereby thefront edge104 includes a descendingfront wall120 that extends downward from thebase portion102. Theback edge106 includes a descendingback wall122 extending downward from thebase portion102. As illustrated in further detail below, the descendingfront wall120 and the descending backwall122 can encompass a front edge and a back edge of a standard metal folding chair seat securing the seating element thereon. Thebase portion102 of the chair is no wider than 15.250″, a parameter that enables the base portion to fit between the leg module uprights of most metal folding chairs.

FIG.1 further illustrates inner side walls, the firstinner side wall124 visible. Further visible inFIG.1, thebase portion102 includes an arcuate shape as well as aflat portion130. The top surface ofbase portion102 includes a front section of rising in a convexarcuate rise132 from the front edge. The convexarcuate rise132 crests and then descends134 towards approximate front-to-back mid-point of theseat assembly100 where it blends into a descending concavearcuate portion136 that continues until it meets and blends into theflat portion130.

FIG.2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of theseating element100 that further includes left and right descending outer side wall(s)126, each parallel to the correspondinginner side walls124 such that the seating element is further secured from side-to-side movement relative to the folding chair seat. In order to engage with a typical steel folding chair seat, the space between these two outer sidewalls must be no less than 16.125″. In order to achieve this spacing between the outer sidewalls, the bottom left and rights edges of thebase portion102 must extend outwardly in a horizontal direction approximately 0.313″ and then descend vertically while maintaining a distance of no less than 16.125″ between the inside surfaces of these walls. These outer side walls extend from the front edge of. the base portion towards the back edge for a distance of approximately 8″ terminating at a forward sloping angle of approximately 30 degrees from vertical towards the front of the seating element. This configuration of the back edge of the outer side walls prevents them from interfering with the front-leg assembly of the steel folding chair.

Visible inFIG.2, ahand grip112 extends outward from theinner side walls124 and/or theouter side walls126. The hand grips112, either individually or in combination with a hand grip on the opposite side, offers a grip or other support for a user to both position and maneuver themselves while sitting on the chair element having the seating element secured thereon. Additionally, for individuals having a larger girth or mobility concerns, the handle(s) offer additional level of support and security in using the seating element in concert with a folding chair.

The carryinghandle114, disposed on theback wall122 of the base portion, allows a user to carry theseating element100 when not in use. For instance, if an organization offers a chair aerobics class and provide standard metal folding chairs, the user can bring his or her own seating element to class, similar to a person bringing his or her own yoga mat to a yoga class. Thehandle114 provides for ease of carrying, as well as well as placement over an existing folding chair. Thus, a facility can use existing, standard, folding chairs for a class, with individuals either being offered or bringing their own seating elements.

FIG.2 further illustrates thebase portion102 including the arcuate shape as well as theflat portion130. Thebase portion102 includes the front section of rising in the convexarcuate rise132 from the front edge. Thearcuate rise132 crests and then descends134 towards approximate front-to-back mid-point of theseat assembly100 where it blends into the descending concavearcuate portion136 that continues until it meets and blends into theflat portion130 at a point approximately 13.125″ from the front edge of the base portion.

The curvature formed by thearcuate rise132 andarcuate descension134 starts at the front edge of the metal folding chair seat at a convex radius at approximately 13.5 inches within a standard tolerance. The curvature rises approximately 1.75 inches at a point approximately 6.5 inches from the front edge before descending, blending into an approximate 15.4 inches concave radius at a point approximately 10 inches from the frontedge base portion102 where it blends into theflat surface130 of thebase portion102 that is parallel to the bottom edge of the base portion at a point approximately 13.125 inches from the front end of the base portion.

This wave-like configuration encourages the user's pelvis to rotate rearward, moving their coccyx toward the back edge of the seat. This, in turn, aligns the user's core, releases their diaphragm, and increases their air intake. The front portion of this “wave” corresponds to an approximate 20 degrees downward slope which resembles the “waterfall” front edge of most ergonomic chairs that permits user's feet to descend to a lower point, resulting in a more relaxed and stable posture. In varying embodiments, the downward slope can be between a range of 17.5 degrees to 22.5 degrees downward slope.

Theseating element100 can be made out of a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic resins, expanded foam, or any other suitable material. The material of theseating element100 provides structure and rigidity for the benefits noted herein, but limit weight as well as manufacturing costs. As noted below, the seating element can be composed of any number of varying embodiments, including but not limited to, a composite material, molded plastic, three-dimensional printing, cushioning material such as urethane foam, or other suitable materials. Theseating element100 can be produced as a one-piece molded structure or an assembly of two or more components.

In an embodiment of theseating element100 comprised of two or more components, individual components can be of different materials. For example, thehandle114 could be made of wood, metal, plastic, fabric, rubber, or other material. The hand grips112 could also be produced in similar materials. Other advantages of such an embodiment would offer functional advantages such as non-slip and temperature neutral touch handles and hand grips. These components could also be produced in colors different than the injection molded base portion to improve consumer appeal.

FIG.3 illustrates a side view of theseating element100 ofFIG.2, illustrating the wave-like portion having the convexarcuate rise132 and the convexarcuate descension134 that merges with an arcuateconcave descension136 to theflat portion130. Visible in the side view is thehand grip112 as well as theinner side wall124 that extends downward from the seating surface. Also visible is the carryinghandle114 extending outward from the back of thebase portion102. In this embodiment, theouter sidewall126 attaches to theinner sidewall124 and terminates approximately 8 inches from the front edge of thebase portion102. Therearward edge128 ofouter sidewall126 angles forwardly downward at an angle of 30 degrees such that it does not interfere with the front legs of the metal folding chair to which it is attached.

Illustrated inFIG.3 is amidline140 of theseating element100. Themidline140 indicates a middle distance between the front edge of the base portion and the back edge of the seatflat portion130, also illustrating how the arcuate descension passes through themidline140 before reaching theflat portion130.

The side view ofFIG.3 further illustrates an offsetangle138 when theseating element100 is placed on a folding chair having a forward tilt of the folding metal chair seat. Theangle line138 runs from the front edge to the back edge of the base portion, whereby the slope from the front edge to the back edge is approximately plus 4 degrees. This feature mitigates the minus 4-to-6-degree slope of the metal folding chair seats, making the overall orientation of the seat pad nearly horizontal to the floor on which the metal folding chair rests.

FIG.4 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of theseating element100.FIG.4 illustrates thebase portion102,front edge104, backedge106, andside edges108 and160. As illustrated, the hand grips112 extend outward from the side edges108 and160, respectively. Where thebase portion102 is affixed atop a folding chair base, the hand grips112 extend further outward from the chair, providing additional stability and benefit to the user.

From the top view ofFIG.4, the convexarcuate rise132 meets the convexarcuate descension134, which meets the concavearcuate descension136 near themidline140, before blending into theflat portion130. Theflat portion130 extends to the descending backwall106 and the carryinghandle114 abuts outward therefrom. As illustrated, thehandle114 extends outward from thebase portion102, not interfering with alignment or affixing thebase portion102 to a chair, as well as providing a convenient means for carrying the seating element.

The dimensions of theseating assembly100 inFIG.4 are illustrative and not expressly limiting in scope. For example, in a preferred embodiment, thebase portion102 is a square, having the lengths of the front and back being the same as the sides. In another embodiment, thebase portion102 can be rectangular in shape. As noted herein, the sizing of thebase portion102 is governed in part based on the seat and legs of a standard metal folding chair, wheresquare base portion102 affixes to the metal folding chair having the square seat.

In one embodiment, the seating element can be made of an injection-molding, one-piece device made of a semi-flexible polymer such as polypropylene.

FIG.5 illustrates one embodiment of aseating element100 in this embodiment. The injection-molded device can be formed using a descendingfront wall120, descending backwall122, andbase portion102 with reinforcingelements220 arranged therein. The pattern of reinforcing ribs illustrated in this figure is only suggestive, as the number, configuration, and arrangement of ribs can vary according to structural properties of the molding material, product stiffness preferred, and other factors such as mold flow.

The inherent flexibility of a polypropylene version would enable easier insertion and removal of the device. The combination of one-piece injection molding in polypropylene would result in a low production cost, especially in large quantities. This version would require a structural reinforcement below the seating surface, likely an “egg-crate” reinforcement such as illustrated inFIG.5.

In another embodiment, the seating element can be formed in a multi-piece construction of separate elements. For example, a 2-piece “clamshell” construction of injection molded polymer of more rigid structural characteristics such as ABS or polystyrene can be used.

In one embodiment, this seating element can include top and bottom sections that each have structural reinforcement ribs similar to the suggested pattern shown inFIG.5 but can be less robust and/or numerous. The parts can be combined by mechanical means, for example but not limited to screws, tabs, adhesives, or any other suitable means as recognized by a skilled artisan, including for example but not limited to sonic welding.

This embodiment can provide a very finished appearance and feel with no visible ribbing or uncomfortable touch areas. Whereas this embodiment may require higher tooling and production costs. Similar to other embodiments, this embodiment provides for attachment of a seat cushion for the benefit of the user.

Another embodiment provides for the seating element or at least the base portion to be made of an injection molded polyurethane foam or similar material having natural properties of cushioning and flexibility. The material can be molded in different durometers (soft-hard) and can be molded in many different colors either as a solid color or various colors in specific areas. Such in-mold decorating can significantly reduce overall production costs while adding customer appeal. The material can easily be molded in various surface textures, including a texture similar to cloth. The flexibility of the material offers increased sitting comfort and reduces or eliminates the need for a cushion. This flexibility also requires that the sidewalls which secure the device to metal folding chair seats must be thicker than other common plastic materials such as polystyrene and ABS.

Where designed above, the base provides for attachment to the seat. For instance, the front wall and the back wall can descend any suitable distance for extending over the front edge and back edge of the chair, respectively. In one embodiment, the front wall and back wall can abut over the edges of the chair and another embodiment the walls can fully extend down past the chair edges. For instance, as the typical depth of the front edge of a metal folding chair seat is 1¾ inches in depth, descendingfront wall104 can be less than 1¾ inches in depth and the front edge of the chair seat is still visible. In another instance, if the front edge of the chair is 1¾ inches in depth, the front edge can be longer than 1¾ inches, whereby the front edge is not visible.

The depth of the front wall and back wall can balance security of engaging the chair, e.g., the seating element not slipping, versus the ease of placement and removal by a user prior to and after use. Where the front wall and/or back wall is less than the depth of the chair edges, the seating element can be more easily installed and removed but may be more prone to slipping during use. By contrast, where in the front wall and/or back wall is longer than the depth of the chair edges, the seating element is more secure but can be more difficult to place and remove by the user, having to lift the seating element up and over the front and/or back walls.

The wall thickness of the injection molded embodiments may vary depending on the material and molding properties selected and will be determined by engineering and manufacturing best practices. For example, molding materials that are more structurally weak may require a thicker wall than a more structurally robust material. In the case of a urethane foam embodiment, wall thicknesses would be much thicker than required for an injection molded styrene embodiment.

FIG.6 illustrates theseating element102 with a covering300 disposed thereon. In theFIG.6 embodiment, the covering300 fully covers the top side of theseating element102, including over the convexarcuate rise132, the convexarcuate descensions134, the concavearcuate descension136, and theflat portion130. A cover for the urethane foam embodiment may partially or fully envelop the seating element.

The covering300 can be a soft cushion or any other suitable type of covering, including a permanent or removeable covering. In one embodiment, the covering can be made of a soft pliable material and capable of being removed, such as for cleaning. For instance, if a facility has a set of seating elements for a group exercise class, the facility may wish to remove and launder the cushions. In another instance, the cushions can include a covering made of vinyl or other material for being sprayed with a disinfectant and wiped down between uses.

In one embodiment, the covering300 can include a logo or other identifier. For instance, the covering300 can include a logo of the facility or gym. In another instance, the covering300 can include a sports team or other identifier. In another instance, the covering300 can include a manufacturer's logo or other branding. In another instance, the covering300 can include advertising or other promotional elements, for example the seating elements and covers being donated and the donating entity having recognition thereon.

The covering300 can be permanently affixed, for example using glue or other type of adhesive. The covering300 can be removeable, for example using a hook-and-loop fastener system or any other suitable technique.

The covering300 is illustrated as covering thetop portion102, but it is recognized the covering300 can be partially covering. For instance, one embodiment may include a covering only over theflat portion130, providing cushion to the user's tailbone but direct contact to the wave-like structure for user movement or other uses.

FIG.7 illustrates one embodiment of the application over theseating element100 relative to a standardmetal folding chair400. The standardmetal folding chair400 can be any number of pre-existing commercially available mass-produced metal folding chairs. While each individual chair manufacturer has separate sizing standards, these chairs all tend to fall within a standard sizing range and include both open and closed positions. The closed positions allow for ease of carry and storage, while the open position uses hinge elements so back legs abut against front legs and the seat folds open into a usable position.

Thechair400 is in the open position, theseat402 extended outward and thelegs404,406 secured together. Here, theseating element100 then is simply placed over theseat402, the descendingfront wall120 and the descending back wall122 (not fully visible) affix over the seat. Further securing theseating element100 to the chair, the descendingouter side walls126 contain the side edges of thechair seat402.

As visible inFIG.7, thehandle114 extends outward from theseating element100 behind thechair legs404,406. Thus, the user has easy access to thehandle114 during use.

Removal of theseating element100 follows the reverse, simply being lifted off thechair seat402 and out between thelegs404,406.

The seating element may include further embodiments for secure engagement to the chair. For instance, one embodiment may include a strap or other element that runs across an underside of the seating element. When placed on a chair, the strap can be secured around an underside of the seat of the folding chair.

In varying embodiments, the seating element may include at least 2 of the edges or walls for secure engagement to a metal chair. In one embodiment, the element includes four points of engagement, one on each edge including front, back, left, and right. This embodiment can include descendingfront wall120, descending backwall122, the firstouter side wall126 and the second outer side wall, as noted inFIGS.2 and3 above. In another embodiment, the seating element may include only two or three points of engagement, from the optional engagement points, front, back, left side and right side. As the number of engagement points increases, the security of the attachment to the chair increases, but at least two engagement points are the minimal requirement for the secure engagement of the seating element to the chair and a seating element having only two points of engagement is within the scope of the invention herein.

In another embodiment,FIG.8 illustrates aseating element103 including limited points of engagement for quick engagement of and removal from a standard metal folding chair. This embodiment includes the top cover rising in the convexarcuate rise132 from the front edge. The convexarcuate rise132 crests and then descends134 towards approximate front-to-back mid-point of theseat assembly100 where it blends into the descending concavearcuate portion136 that continues until it meets and blends into theflat portion130 at a point approximately 13.125″ from the front edge of the base portion.

Herein, the seating element includes the descending backwall122 extending downward, as well as thefirst side edge108 and theinner side wall124. This embodiment may further include a second side edge and second side wall not visible due to the perspective view ofFIG.8.

In this embodiment, aleg stop180 is affixed to and extends outward from theside wall124. The opposing side wall can include a mirrored angled element. Theleg stop180 can be made of any suitable material as recognized by a skilled artisan, including in one embodiment the same material as theseating element103 and/or theside wall124.

In this embodiment, theleg stop180 is positioned on theside wall124 at a location to abut against the legs of the chair, such aslegs406 ofFIG.7. In this embodiment, theseating element103 is secured to the chair based on the descendingbackwall122 and the leg stops180. Further embodiments can include insertion of the leg stops180 with embodiments ofFIGS.1-2 above. Moreover, further embodiments can include inclusion of the leg stops180 with the descending front wall120 (FIG.1).

In one embodiment, theleg stop180 can extend outward from the side wall124 a distance of between 0.75 to 1.5 inches with one embodiment extending outward by 1.125 inches. Theleg stop180 includes an angled element for matching the angle of the leg of chair, for example one embodiment including an angle of 30 degrees with variations in angles between 25 degrees to 35 degrees. In one embodiment, theleg step180 includes a base or lateral element having a length of approximately 1 inch and the angled upward extending element having a length of approximately 1.25 inches. In one embodiment, theleg stop180 can have a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches.

In one embodiment, theleg stop180 is a separate element that is mechanically attached to one or bothsidewalls124 and is adjustable in a front-to-back range of approximately 1″ for more secure attachment tochair legs406.

FIGS.1 through8 are conceptual illustrations allowing for an explanation of the present invention. Notably, the figures and examples above are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, as other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the invention. In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not necessarily be limited to other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, Applicant does not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the relevant art(s) (including the contents of the documents cited and incorporated by reference herein), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein.

Claims (16)

What is claimed is:

1. A seating element attachable to a metal folding chair, the seating element comprising:

a base portion having a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, the base portion articulating in shape of a top surface from the front edge to the back edge including a convex arcuate rise and fall connected to a concave arcuate descension to the top surface of the base portion whereby the front edge of the base portion is lower in height than the back edge of the base portion;

at least two of:

a back wall disposed at the back edge extending downward therefrom;

a front wall disposed at the front edge extending downward therefrom;

a first outer side wall at the first side edge of the base portion; and

a second outer side wall at the second side edge of the base portion, opposite the first side edge of the base portion;

wherein the convex arcuate rise and fall and at least a portion of the concave arcuate descension of the base portion are disposed before a midpoint between the front edge of the base portion and the back edge of the base portion and where the concave arcuate descension blends into a flat top surface of the base portion;

wherein the seating element is securable to the metal folding chair by engagement of the at least two of: the descending back wall, the descending front wall, the first outer side wall, and the second outer side wall over a seat of the metal folding chair and wherein the convex arcuate rise generates a downward slope between a range of 18 degrees and 22 degrees for the thighs of a user sitting on the seating element secured to the metal folding chair.

2. The seating element ofclaim 1 wherein the top front edge of the base portion is lower in height than the back top edge such that when disposed on the chair, the front edge rests at descending angle between 3.5 degrees and 6.5 degrees from the back edge.

3. The seating element ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one hand grip disposed on the first side edge or the second side edge and extending outward therefrom.

4. A seating element attachable to a metal folding hair, the seating element comprising:

a base portion having a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge;

a top of the base portion articulating in shape of the top surface from the front edge to the back edge including a convex arcuate rise and fall connected to a concave arcuate descension to the top surface of the base portion such that the front edge of the base portion is lower in height than the back edge of the base portion, wherein the convex arcuate rise and fall and at least a portion of the concave arcuate descension of the base portion are disposed before a midpoint between the front edge of the base portion and the back edge of the base portion where the concave arcuate descension blends into a flat top surface of the base portion;

a descending back wall disposed at the back edge extending downward therefrom;

a descending front wall disposed at the front edge extending downward therefrom;

a first inner side wall at the first side edge of the base portion;

a second inner side wall at the second side edge of the base portion, opposite the first side edge of the base portion; and

wherein the seating element is securable to the chair by engagement of the back wall and the front wall over a seat of the metal folding chair and wherein the convex arcuate rise generates a downward slope between a range of 18 degrees and 22 degrees for the thighs of a user sitting on the seating element secured to the metal folding chair.

5. The seating element ofclaim 4, wherein the seating element is further securable to the chair by the engagement of the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall over the seat of the chair.

6. The seating element ofclaim 4 further comprising:

the rearward edge of the outer sidewalls is angled forwardly downward at an angle of 30 degrees such that it does not interfere with the front legs of the metal folding chair to which it is attached.

7. The seating element ofclaim 4 further comprising:

a compression element disposed on top of the seating element extending from the front edge to the back edge.

8. The seating element ofclaim 7, wherein the compression element is removeable.

9. The seating element ofclaim 4 further comprising:

at least one handle extending outward from the back wall.

10. The seating element ofclaim 4 further comprising a first hand grip and a second hand grip, wherein the first hand grip is disposed on the first inner side wall and/or a first outer side wall and the second hand grip is disposed on the second inner side wall and/or a second outer side wall.

11. A seating element attachable to a metal folding chair, the seating element comprising:

a base portion having a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge;

a first outer side wall parallel to and descending from the first side edge and a second outer side wall parallel to and descending from the second side edge;

a top of the base portion articulating in shape from the front edge to the back edge including a convex arcuate rise and fall connected to a concave arcuate descension to the flat top surface of the base portion such that the front edge of the base portion is lower in height than the back edge of the base portion;

wherein the convex arcuate rise and fall and at least a portion of the convex arcuate descension of the base portion are disposed before a midpoint between the front edge of the base portion and the back edge of the base portion and wherein the concave arcuate descension blends into a flat top surface of the base portion such that the convex arcuate rise and fall generates a downward slope between a range of 18 degrees and 22 degrees for the thighs of a user sitting on the seating element secured to the metal folding chair;

a back wall disposed at the back edge extending downward therefrom;

at least one carrying handle extending outward from the back wall;

a front wall disposed at the front edge extending downward therefrom; and

wherein the seating element is securable to the chair by engagement of the back wall, the front wall, the first outer side wall, and the second outer side wall over a seat of the metal folding chair.

12. The seating element ofclaim 11, wherein the front edge of the base portion is lower in height than the back edge such that when disposed on the chair, the front edge rests at an angle between plus 3.5 degrees to plus 6.5 degrees from the back edge.

13. The seating element ofclaim 11, wherein the space between the first outer side wall and the second outer side wall is not less than 16.125 inches.

14. The seating element ofclaim 11 further comprising:

a first hand grip disposed on the first side wall and a second hand grip disposed on the second side wall.

15. A seating element attachable to a metal folding chair, the seating element comprising:

a base portion having a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, the base portion articulating in shape of a top surface from the front edge to the back edge including a convex arcuate rise and fall connected to a concave arcuate descension to the flat top surface of the base portion whereby the front edge of the base portion is lower in height than the back edge of the base portion;

back wall disposed at the back edge extending downward therefrom;

a side wall at the first side edge of the base portion;

a second side wall at the second side edge of the base portion, opposite the first side edge of the base portion;

a first leg stop disposed on and extending outward from the first side edge; and

a second leg stop disposed on and extending outward from the second side edge;

wherein the seating element is securable to the chair by engagement of the back wall, the first leg stop, and the second leg stop to the metal folding chair.

16. The seating element ofclaim 15, wherein the convex arcuate rise and at least a portion of the convex arcuate descension of the base portion are disposed before a midpoint between the front edge of the base portion and the back edge of the base portion where it blends into a descending concave arcuate portion that blends into the flat top surface of the base portion, the seating element further comprising:

at least one handle extending outward from the back wall.

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